CHICAGO, IL (February 4, 2013) -The 35th Annual African-American Heritage Month Mass, a celebration by students, faculty and staff of the Archdiocese's Catholic schools, will be held on Thursday, February 7, at 9:30 a.m., at Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior Streets in Chicago.

This year’s theme is “G7”, which means “God to the seventh power”. Fr. Tony Ricard, a priest of the Diocese of New Orleans, will be the principal celebrant for the Mass and will preach on the seven principles (Nguzo Saba), tenets of virtuous living emphasized during annual Kawanza celebrations that are practiced all year long.

This celebration highlights African culture in music, song and dance, and will feature a special choir made up of students from participating schools. Hundreds of elementary and high school students from Archdiocesan Catholic schools will attend.